Page 74 of Uprooted
Pouting Aro is cute.
* * *
“There is a really easy way we can test that theory,” I say. Kiera, Bri, Tai, and I have all been in the gym for hours while Aro tries to summon his battleform.
“No, absolutely not. I’m not doing anything that puts you in danger, just so I can test my ability,” Aro says.
“It’s not a bad idea. The more you shift, the easier it will be,” Kiera says, unintimidated by her brother’s glare.
“It’s a terrible idea,” he says.
“Tai could take me out. We’ll hide out in the forest for a bit, and you can come find us.” Kiera and I seem to be the only ones who like this plan. Everyone else avoids eye contact with me when I look for support.
“I said no.” Aro seethes. His voice echoes through the empty gym.
“I’m also invested in helping you figure this out,” I say stepping up to him.
I give him my best power pose—my “you aren’t the only badass around here” hands-on-my-hips stance.
His eyes darken. Oh shit—this backfired. He doesn’t look mad anymore. He’s turned on, and he’s looking at me with different intentions now. This conversation is heading in one direction. One that won’t resolve the issue at hand.
Tai, Bri and Kiera slink away into the background as the tension rises between Aro and I. They pretend to be focused on something out of the way.
“You know it’s more than that. It’s not safe out there,” he says pointing to beyond the base walls.
“Tai can take care of me. Or he won’t and you can come save the day. Be the knight in shining armor and swoop in.”
I return the smolder and walk my fingers up his chest and stretch up to kiss the underside of his jaw.
He grinds his teeth together and huffs out a breath. I scoot closer to him, bringing our bodies together.
“You play dirty,” he says, finally looking down at me.
“This is important.” My breath hitches when he leans down and runs his hands down my backside.
“Nothing is more important than your safety. The answer is still no,” he says with a cocked eyebrow. I sway on my feet when he steps back, putting distance between us again.
“What’s your brilliant plan then, since you won’t try my idea?” I say, not giving up.
“I’ll keep trying here with Tai.”
“It’s not working. You’re wasting time. There could be another attack any minute,” I plead.
“I’ll think about it.”
I squeak with happiness and jump up to him, hooking my legs around his waist.
“It’s not a yes,” he says, clarifying.
“It’s not a no either,” I say and kiss him.
“I’ll think of another way. I just don’t want to argue with you anymore.”
I get down from him and stand up pressed against him. “You left before I could tell you something yesterday.”
“What did you want to say?” he asks quietly, his voice thick.
“I love you, too.”
